October 13th, 2024

We all have clay feet…. The takedown of Joe Biden

By Omowale Luthuli-Allen

This is the way that I was struck by the takedown of Joe Biden by Senator Booker and Senator Harris. It was an unprincipled takedown. Biden might not have been paying attention to the admonition of the referee to protect himself, nevertheless, it was a foul and low blow that came from teammates. Joe Biden was right to express that his choice of words about Senator Eastland and Thurmond were unfortunate but were not uttered with the intent to praise racists.

I am a baby boomer, growing up in Louisiana that was ruled by a succession of segregationist’s governors. Of course, the state Senators were Dixiecrat segregationists. These Dixiecrats had an outsized influence on the Democratic Party at the time of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. They were defeated by one of their own, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson once referred to the 64 Civil Rights Act as the “ N “ bill. Johnson flipped after two decades of supporting segregation. This is an example of a leader evolving on a major policy issue.

POTUS Lyndon Johnson changed when he was caught in the vise grip of history. The movement for democratic rights, led by SNCC, CORE and SCLC was unrelenting in forcing the country to abandon its support for segregation. In order to pass the 64 Civil Rights Act, President Johnson had to reach across the aisle. 80 percent of Republicans and 66 percent of Dems voted for the 64 Act.

One of the Senators that Joe Biden spoke of was the hopeless, James Eastland, Dem-Miss. Eastland was entrenched, firmly committed to the old order. James Eastland was the voice of the white South. He was righteously regarded as the arch villain of the civil rights movement. On a positive note, Eastland supported strengthening the Social Security Administration. He also assisted with providing pressure on President Nixon to resign during the Watergate crisis. Let us remember that the hallowed rule of law was under attack as the nation drifted toward a constitutional crisis. President Nixon had thrown down the gauntlet to insist that he was not a crook and started a mantra that he was above the law because he was President.

LBJ and had to simultaneously work to change the oppressive racial order and work with its representatives to forge forward thinking policy.

As a Black Power advocate during the 1960’s, I understood that the people that were in the Dixie statehouses were in control of essential goods and services and that pragmatism was more intelligent than purity.

Busing was a tool employed to bring about racial balance. Busing was a necessary evil that was employed to bring about equal education between the victims of institutionalized racism and the beneficiaries of that inimical policy. In the State of California, Berkley citizens never faced the mayhem visited on peaceful black school kids in the Deep South. My uncles and aunts migrated to California in the 1950’s in order to flee segregation. In Berkeley, voluntary busing was a lot different from forced busing. Again, Berkeley California was not Boston Mass during the time of busing. We salute Kamala Harris and the children that participated in this racial equity experiment. We salute your courage for having your eye on the prize.

Nevertheless, busing was a gallant attempt to repair a broken system and achieve racial balance, but it did not work. We have as much segregation in public education in 2019 as we did in 1969.

What is lacking in the debate about race among the Presidential Candidates is consideration of condition, time and place. Without context, one will not be able to understand that tactics had to be adjusted to real conditions. For most of the 1960’s, segregationists controlled the goods and services necessary for the good life. These vile segregationists controlled the instruments of force and violence, the judiciary and the ability to work and feed your family.

Many of us are proud to be baby boomers and old school. We are fresh enough in our thinking to know that thoughtless generational divide can provide ammunition for the artful demagogue to irreparably damage our body politic. We ask each of the candidates who oppose Donald Trump to remember that they are on the same team.

It is Ok for Joe Biden to take a haircut, but it is not Ok to have his knees busted. This election is fundamentally about getting back on track so that the progressive agenda can succeed. If the continued weakening and desecration of our sacred values and institutions succeeds, it will be decades before the progressive agenda succeeds.

The litmus purity test that Biden is being subjected to is one that most of the Democratic candidates will fail. We all have clay feet.

Vision requires that Democrats, swing voters and progressives unite to elect the strongest candidate possible. By strongest, I mean the most electable.

Photo credit: AP Photo/John Bazemore

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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